While I am Indian, Mediterranean foods are very appealing to me. The recipes excite me and the use of chickpeas, olive oil, and some delicious herbs is quite thrilling. Okay! Maybe that is a bit much but this is how food makes me feel.
The limited amount of meats and a large amount of vegetables in the everyday Meditteranean diet is just how I grew up. Most meals were vegetable-forward and it was only on the weekend that we would have a meal where meat was the star of the show. So when I started to explore more Mediterranean foods, I fell in love with their Za’atar seasoning.
What is Za’atar?
Za’atar, the word itself, is Arabic and literally translates to “wild thyme” in English. But in the culinary world, Za’atar is a blend of spices that can vary slightly depending on where you are in the Mediterranean. Essentially it is some combination of oregano, marjoram, thyme, sesame seeds, sumac. I have also seen some Za’atar include cumin, salt, orange zest, dillweed, and black pepper.
Ingredients and Flavor of Za’atar
You can expect a nutty, earthy, bold, slightly sweet, spicy, tangy, warm flavor. I know that sounds like a lot but this seasoning blend is such a wild, beautiful combination of flavors that just seem to work together. The sesame seeds have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and when toasted, that nuttiness gets even nuttier and more fragrant. The oregano is bold and earthy with mild sweet and spicy tones. Marjoram is similar to oregano, after all, they come from the same species of plant, and adds woodsy and light citrus-like notes. It is sharp and bitter but slightly sweeter than the oregano. Thyme is savory and sharp, slightly sweet with warm, pepper-like undertones. And of course sumac. The flavor of sumac is tart and tangy like fresh lemon juice and enhances the flavor of any dish. On the nose, you can expect a very pungent and floral smell but depending on how much sumac is in your blend, you can certainly smell that tanginess.
How to use Za’atar
Za’atar is very versatile and can be used the same as many other seasoning blends. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Za’atar Bread-Dipping Oil
- Roasted Cauliflower Hummus with Za’atar Seasoning
- Chickpea Hummus with Za’atar seasoning
- Za’atar Froccocia
- Za’atar Roasted Chicken
- Za’atar Seasoned Pistacios
- Za’atar Seasoned Crackers
- Za’atar Vinegarette
- Hard-Boiled Eggs with Za’atar
- Za’atar Chickpeas
- Za’atar Caprese Salad
Buying Za’atar
I don’t usually buy Za’atar but there are many places that carry this blend, you just have to look for them. My local Kroger carries it but you can also find it at Target, Trader Joe’s, Fiesta Mart, and Whole Foods. However, not all Za’atar is created equal. I have seen some that do not contain sumac at all and others that have ground all the herbs into a fine powder. Take your time and look for one with the herbs crushed and brightly green. This indicates freshness. Look for sesame seeds that are whole and appear toasted and ensure you see bits of a red coarse powder. That would be your ground sumac berries. They are dark red and it is what really makes a great Za’atar.
Making Za’atar
I love making my own spice blends. While it can sometimes be more expensive or takes more work, it allows me to select quality ingredients and blend the flavors to my personal liking. It gives me more control over how I can bring out the best in whatever I am cooking.
When it comes to Za’atar, sumac is a bit hard to find. You can get a jar at Whole Foods for under $3 but I usually order in bulk on amazon. Everything else will be easily available and if you are looking for great prices then hitting up an Indian Store will never disappoint you.
The key to making my Za’atar really stand out is the sesame seeds. You absolutely want to start with whole untoasted sesame seeds and then toast them up yourself. It really deepens the nuttiness of the sesame seeds and the aroma is incredible. Then this part is optional but I love to grind a third of those toasted seeds into powder to really get the flavor of those toasted seeds into the seasoning. Doing these 2 steps only takes a few minutes and is totally worth it.
Try my Za’atar Recipe and let me know what you think. I hope you add Za’atar to your pantry and try adding it to the dishes you cook.
Za’atar Spice Blend
Description
Let's make this classic seasoning that is prominent in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. It is a perfect marriage of dried herbs and toasted sesame seeds along with the vibrant citrus notes of sumac berries. This seasoning blend makes a killer roasted chicken but its versatility is endless.
Ingredients
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and store in an airtight jar until ready to use.
Note
- If you don't have marjoram then you can use replace it with an equal amount of oregano.
- Store in an air-tight jar in a cool dry place.
